Friday, March 19, 2010

The Source: news about digital libraries and library innovations from around the web

Introducing The Source

Crowdsourcing: How and why should Libraries do it?

From the D-Lib Magazine website


The definition and purpose of crowdsourcing and its relevance to libraries is discussed with particular reference to the Australian Newspapers service, FamilySearch, Wikipedia, Distributed Proofreaders, Galaxy Zoo and The Guardian MP's Expenses Scandal. These services have harnessed thousands of digital volunteers who transcribe, create, enhance and correct text, images and archives. Known facts about crowdsourcing are presented and helpful tips and strategies for libraries beginning to crowdsource are given.


Competencies for librarians serving youth: Young adults deserve the best

From the American Library Association website

The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA) that supports library services to teens, has developed these competencies for librarians who serve young adults. Individuals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills laid out in the document will be able to provide quality library service for, and with, teenagers. Institutions seeking to improve their overall service capacity and increase public value to their community are encouraged to adopt these competencies.


Checking out the future: Perspectives from the library community on information technology and 21st-century libraries

From the American Library Association website

“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change”. - Charles Darwin
In the 21st century, the digital revolution shows no signs of slowing. To remain relevant, any institution, including one as established as libraries, must evaluate its place in a world increasingly lived online. The good news is that many library professionals recognise this need and are driving adaptations designed to ensure that libraries remain an integral part of our society’s commitment to education, equity, and access to information.


The Bookends Scenario: Alternative futures for the Public Library Network in NSW in 2030

From the website of the State Library, New South Wales, Australia

The aim of this project was to explore how the future of NSW public libraries might unfold over the next twenty years. The scenarios are intended to enable consideration of the types of roles, products and services that will be offered, delivered and accessed through the NSW Public Library Network in 2030.
The Bookends Scenarios will support NSW public libraries in planning for the future needs of clients, and help to identify opportunities and gaps in terms of competencies, resourcing levels and service models - at the same time assist in developing strategies to ensure the longer term sustainability of the public library network.


2010+: 10 trends: Predictions & Provocations

From the What’s Next website

A list of 10 new and interesting trends for the next 12-18 months.
1. Globalisation unravelling
2. Re-sourcing
3. Expecting less
4. Conspicuous non-consumption
5. Unsupervised adults
6. Constant Partial Stupidity
7. Digital isolation
8. Flight to the physical
9. Hunger for shared experiences
10. Fear fatigue

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